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Visit our Web site: www.bridgesforpeace.com | October 7, 2011 |
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1. High Alert on Yom Kippur for Fear of Riots2. Israel Welcomes Quartet Peace Proposal3. Palestinians Set to Undermine the Oslo Agreements4. Egypt to Boost Gas Prices Israel Pays5. Committee to Consider Palestinian UN Bid at Rational Pace6. IDF, Palestinian Forces Cooperate in Flooded Jordan Valley7. President vs. Congress on Aid to Palestinian Authority8. Iran Threatens to Send Navy near US Borders9. Navy Unveils New Training Technology
1. High Alert on Yom Kippur for Fear of RiotsSecurity and rescue forces are on high alert ahead of Yom Kippur [Day of Atonement, from Friday evening to Saturday evening, Oct 7-8] with reinforced deployment in sensitive areas. The Magen David Adom emergency services have raised their alert to the highest level, while police are gearing up for possible riots mainly in the North following the arson of a mosque in Tuba Zangaria [on October 3].
Riots are also feared in the Temple Mount compound in Jerusalem around Friday [October 7] prayers. The IDF [Israel Defense Force] will impose full closure on the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] which will be lifted on Saturday at midnight. Passage will only be approved in medical, humanitarian, and unusual cases and subject to the Civil Administration's approval.
Police will restrict entry to the Temple Mount to men over the age of 45 following intelligence indicating plans to start riots. Meanwhile, police and Border Guard forces will be deployed in Jerusalem to maintain order. Officers will also guard the Western Wall from Friday afternoon until the end of Kippur.
Police will also guard synagogues and Muslim and Christian places of worship in the district. Forces will also work to prevent the hurling of stones along Route 85 [east-west highway in the Galilee]. Police presence will also be felt in the Cave of Patriarchs [in Hebron] and cemeteries.
The Magen David Adom will be on high alert with volunteers ready with motorcycles and equipment. In synagogues, on-call volunteers will be at hand with medical equipment for cases of dehydration [because of the 25 hours of fasting from water].
(By Yair Altman and Maor Buchnik, Ynetnews, October 6, 2011)
Editor's Note: If you would like to know more about Yom Kippur, click here to go to the front page of our Web site for a posted article.
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will protect His nation and people on this the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. Pray that Jewish people the world over will be kept in safety and will turn their hearts to the God who loves and keeps them.
Scripture
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1).
2. Israel Welcomes Quartet Peace ProposalIsrael on Sunday [October 2] announced they welcomed the call to resume peace talks put forth by the Mideast Quartet and again called for negotiations with the Palestinians to resume without preconditions. The Quartet - comprised of the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia - had proposed that discussions between Israel and the Palestinians resume within a month and that a timeframe for reaching a peace deal be no longer than the end of 2012.
The statement also noted that "while Israel has some concerns, it will raise them at the appropriate time. Israel calls on the Palestinian Authority to do the same and to enter into direct negotiations without delay."
An Israeli government official, speaking with The Mideast Update by phone, said that once negotiations actually begin they can set one-year as "a target date" for reaching a deal. So far, the Palestinians have refused to move forward until Israel meets their preconditions.
The WAFA Palestinian news agency reported on Sunday that Palestinian Presidency Spokesperson Nabil Abu Rdainah reiterated the Palestinian preconditions to talks with Israel: that the Israelis first commit to halting settlement activities and to "recognize" the 1967 lines.
The 1967 lines were armistice lines between Israel and several Arab states, including Jordan and Egypt. In this context, they would grant the Palestinians the entire West Bank [Judea and Samaria] and Gaza Strip, although land swaps are also generally expected.
Regarding the other precondition of a halt to settlement building, Israel had previously agreed to an unprecedented 10-month partial settlement construction freeze in 2009-10. However, the Palestinians waited until the freeze was nearing its end to upgrade negotiations with Israel to direct peace talks. The Palestinians then suspended talks after the freeze concluded.
One of the Quartet's calls was for the sides to make "substantial progress" on security and borders within six months. The Israeli official did not outright oppose a six-month timeline, but was clearly opposed to dividing up the negotiations on the so-called "core issues" - which include refugees, water, and Jerusalem, as well as borders and security.
"We think you can't take some of the core issues and discuss them in isolation, because ultimately there has to be tradeoffs between the core issues…the core issues interrelate," said the official. He later noted that "I don't see Israel agreeing to finalize a border without having assurances on the other core issues as well." As an example, he said Israel couldn't agree to borders and then accept that they would be "swamped with the descendants of Palestinian refugees."
He said the Palestinian perspective is "Let's do borders first, because that's the issue where Israel has to show flexibility. The idea that Israel show flexibility in a vacuum is just bad negotiating strategy. Israel will show flexibility when the Palestinians show flexibility…the core issues have to be put together on the table."
(Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, October 3, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord Himself will direct any and all negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian leadership. Pray that Israel's rights and concerns be protected in any direct peace talks.
Scripture
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil" (Proverbs 3:5-7).
3. Palestinians Set to Undermine the Oslo AgreementsThe Palestinians'first step after submitting a historic demand for an independent state to the United Nations was a call to amend the Paris Protocols. The Protocols constitute the economic agreements embedded in the Oslo Accords which govern the financial relations and mutual obligations outlined in the 1995 Interim Agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The Protocols boil down to the simple fact that Israel and the Palestinian Authority are to share a customs framework, to have no economic boundaries, and for Israel to control and police all border crossings. Any change to the Protocols would undermine the very fabric of the Oslo Accords.
The Palestinians have never been happy with the Protocols. They have consistently claimed that they reinforced Israeli economic hegemony over the Palestinian economy and have worked tirelessly to amend the agreement so as to wrestle control over the border crossings from the Israelis. Israel has always rejected these demands, arguing that a breach of the customs border would expose Israel to the dangers of dumping.
However, in addition to economic repercussions, the PLO's current demand to alter the Protocols also has a political and - as far as Israel is concerned - a security aspect. Aside from the protection of its economy, Israel is worried it will not be able secure its borders, which is the main reason it has been demanding to keep security forces present along the Jordan River as part of any future peace agreement with the Palestinians.
The adverse developments along the Philadelphi route between Gaza and Egypt have so far provided Israel with strong argumentation to explain why it cannot permit the same scenario to develop along the Jordanian border.
Palestinian control over the economic questions and the border crossings would challenge another key Israeli point of contention with the Palestinians. Should the Palestinians erect customs stations on the border with Israel, they will de facto create a border of their choosing and impose the indefensible 1967 lines on Israel.
At the same time, the Palestinians may use the Protocols to wreak havoc on Israel's economy and advance their campaign of delegitimization against Israel. In an interview with the Maan News agency last week, Dr. Sabri Saidam, an advisor to Mahmoud Abbas, exposed a far-reaching scheme to exploit the issue of Israeli control over the Palestinian economy in order to organize a worldwide boycott on Israeli products using Facebook.
Until now, the Palestinian boycott has been restricted to products made in the settlements only. It was argued that the settlements were "illegal" and even "criminal" and competed unfairly with Palestinian products. The new argument maintains that Israel, as state, is blocking the development of an independent Palestinian economy and should be punished accordingly.
Still, the Palestinians are talking in terms of "changes" and not the "abrogation" of the Protocols. Actual "abrogation" may have international political repercussions on the Palestinians'statehood bid as it will present the nascent state as a country that do not respect its international obligations, as specified in Mahmoud Abbas's application letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
In addition, the Palestinians cannot afford to abrogate the Protocols because they do not enjoy a sustainable economy that is separate from the State of Israel. In fact, the Palestinians rely heavily on the Protocols for their revenues.
Palestinian Web sites reported last week that Nabil Sha'at, another close advisor to Mahmoud Abbas, demanded that 150,000 Palestinians resume work in Israel proper as provided in the Protocols. Politically, the establishment of customs points along the 1967 would spell internal disaster for the Palestinians.
Hamas's government in Gaza would not accept a big financial change imposed by Ramallah, despite the recent reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, as it has not even managed to compromise on the seemingly unimportant issue of daylight savings time, which has left the two sides in different time zones.
It is in Israel's interest that the Palestinians enjoy a thriving economy, whether or not it is tightly connected to its own. It is another issue altogether if the Palestinians care more about waging lawfare and boycotts against it, cynically using the economy and international agreements to attain their goals.
(By Pinhas Inbari, World Jewish Congress, October 3, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this political maneuvering on the part of Palestinian leadership will be unsuccessful and the Protocols remain intact.
Scripture
"Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:12-14).
4. Egypt to Boost Gas Prices Israel PaysEgyptian Energy Minister Abdullah Ghorab said on Monday [October 3] that Israel will be paying a lot more for the natural gas it buys from Egypt under a contract negotiated during the reign of Hosni Mubarak. Since Mubarak's overthrow, the gas deal has been a frequent target of dissent and resulted in long jail terms for officials from the Mubarak era that cut the deal that provides Israel with 40% of its natural gas supply.
The allegation that Israel is being charged less than the market rate for gas is part of the overall rising anti-Israel animus present in post-Mubarak Egypt. The official newspaper Al Ahram reported that, "The final draft related to amending the prices for exporting natural gas to Israel will be completed soon. It will see a big increase in the price." The flow of gas to Israel has been interrupted six times by sabotage since the fall of Mubarak.
(By The Media Line, October 5, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the Lord will move to make Israel less dependent on foreign energy sources while protecting the flow of gas that is currently necessary. Pray that a reasonable price can be negotiated.
Scripture
"The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it" (Proverbs 11:25-26).
6. IDF, Palestinian Forces Cooperate in Flooded Jordan ValleyThe first rain of the fall swept Israel last week and led to some flooding, particularly in desert areas. That flooding fostered unique cooperation between the IDF [Israel Defense Force] and Palestinian fire and rescue services. Nahal Tirza in the Jordan Valley overflowed its banks due to the rain and caused flooding and heavy erosion.
A Palestinian vegetable truck and school bus got stuck in mud and rocks at the Hamra Junction, and both Israeli and Palestinian forces were called to the scene to rescue stranded people and clear the road.
An IDF engineering officer said: "There has always been cooperation between us and Palestinian rescue forces. Palestinian forces are always called to the scene when there are Palestinians involved in a particular event. Most cooperation occurs when accidents take place from time to time on Route 90."
(By The Israel Defense Force, October 2, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Praise the Lord for this spirit of cooperation between IDF and Palestinian forces. Pray that such activities continue to foster goodwill between them. Praise God for these early rains!
Scripture
"I will mention the loving kindnesses of the LORD and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies, according to the multitude of His loving kindnesses" (Isaiah 63:7).
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7. President vs. Congress on Aid to Palestinian AuthorityA confrontation between President Obama and Congress is shaping up on the issue of halting funding to the Palestinian Authority [PA]. Members of both parties had threatened to halt US aid if the PA followed through on plans to seek UN membership, and last week, a British newspaper revealed that US $200 million earmarked for the PA had actually been halted.
The administration opposes the cutoff and is pressuring Congress to drop its opposition. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fl) is preventing the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which she chairs, from considering US $192 million in aid for the PA.
On Monday [October 3], a spokesman for the committee explained that the freeze was an "informational hold" that is "a tool of Congressional oversight." Bradley Goehner said the committee is looking at the full spectrum of the PA's activities, including "its activities at the UN, its arrangement with Hamas, and its failure to recognize Israel's right to exist as Jewish State."
The administration's position is that the aid benefits US policy and Israel as well. A spokesperson for the State Department said on Monday that funding is already "in the pipeline" so there is not yet a sense of urgency over the issue.
But Palestinian Economics Minister Hasan Abu-Libdeh said on Monday that USAID has already notified the PA that two projects totaling US $81 million have been placed on hold and a US $85 million grant to improve health care is in jeopardy. US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who is visiting the region, has raised the issue with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
(By The Media Line, October 5, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the US Congress remains strong in its commitment to Israel and determination to use whatever means available to bring influence to bear on the PA.
Scripture
"One ordinance shall be for you of the assembly and for the stranger who dwells with you, an ordinance forever throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. One law and one custom shall be for you and for the stranger who dwells with you"(Numbers 15:15-16).
8. Iran Threatens to Send Navy near US BordersWith ongoing tensions with the United States and Iran over the latter's nuclear program in the background, Tehran last week announced the intention to send a naval presence near US territory.
According to the Iranian Fars News Agency, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari was quoted as saying, "Like the arrogant powers that are present near our marine borders, we will also have a powerful presence close to the American marine borders." Iran in recent months sent naval vessels into the Mediterranean Sea through the Egyptian Suez Canal.
However, sending ships or submarines thousands of miles away to the US maritime borders would be a significant escalation in Iran's projection of naval power. Fars noted that Sayyari did not clarify what that presence would look like or when it could begin. The Iranian news service did recall Sayyari's comments in July regarding plans to send "a flotilla into the Atlantic."
Meanwhile, on Sunday [October 2], Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for everyone in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to "go home" as part of the ongoing denial of the Jews'historic right to Israel. He said the "Zionist occupiers" should leave Israel, which he termed "Palestine."
Fars quoted Ahmadinejad as saying, "Some poor people were brought to Palestine on the promise of security and jobs while they turned the Palestinian people into refugees…So now Palestinians should go home and those brought to Palestine should go to theirs." Ahmadinejad followed up on those "go home" comments by calling today for efforts to "free every span" of Israel from the Israeli "regime."
Ahmadinejad has routinely railed against the Israeli "regime," which he refers to as "Zionist." Ahmadinejad also has denied the Holocaust and suggested conspiracy theories regarding the September 11 terror attacks.
The Iranian leader was strongly rebuked by the US following his speech last month at the United Nations General Assembly, with a US statement saying he "again turned to abhorrent anti-Semitic slurs and despicable conspiracy theories."
(By The Mideast Update, October 3, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that various events in the Middle East and around the world do not distract the international community from the dire need to protect Israel and the West by dealing with the Iranian threat. Pray that God will move on behalf of His people and bring this anti-Semitic Iranian regime to an end.
Scripture
"He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday" (Psalm 91:4-6).
9. Navy Unveils New Training TechnologyThe Israel Navy unveiled new anti-terror technology over the weekend, which will allow Israeli marines and commandos to thwart terror threats at sea more efficiently. The Navy's new simulator, the "Bridge," was made operational over the past few weeks and has quickly become a staple of the marine forces'training.
The system includes 20 plasma screens, and an array of auxiliary control panels, joysticks, and electronic gadgets allows for all-case-scenario training and is meant for cross-corps use: navel, commando, and submarine forces. It is now part of all cadets'training in the navy.
The "Bridge" is deployed in three rooms, allowing cadets to simulate various daily scenarios, both for peace and war time. It creates accurate three-dimensional images of Israel's various coastlines, as well as its neighbor's shores, and allows the cadets to experience the field in all sectors, including enemy territory.
"There are no fences at sea, and naval officers have complete autonomy," Captain Adam, head of a naval training base, told Ynet. "The simulator affords the commanders the freedom to shape the operational considerations they will need to employ in their sectors without actually going out to sea.
"The system provides a complementary angle to the exercises we do at sea, and it installs a great deal of confidence in the officers," he said. The "Bridge" allows cadets to practice various military identification protocols - from a merchant marine vessel, through a hostile ship trying to pass as an aid vessel, to an outright enemy assault - as well as sift through intelligence and would-be intelligence discrepancies.
The system also allows for radical battle simulations such as a scenario when an enemy vessel tries to ram a navy one or a navy ship finds itself surrounded by enemy vessels, as well as for extreme weather simulations. "Simulation exercises are meant to mimic the conditions we encounter in open waters and they keep us on our toes," Roee, a naval cadet, told Ynet.
"We assume battle stations, man the weapon systems, and with the exception of the engine noise, it's pretty much the same." The drills, he added, "save us valuable time dealing with things we can't really train for in the field."
(By Yoav Zitun, Ynetnews, October 2, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Thank the Lord for Israel's innovative systems for training security forces and protecting its citizens. Pray that the Lord will protect Israel's waters and keep them free from terrorists and other invaders.
Scripture
"a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year" (Deuteronomy 11:12).
Note: All Scripture is taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
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Assistant Editor: Cheryl Hauer
Proofreader: Charleeda Sprinkle
Administrator: Leslie McLinden
Administrative Assistant: Heather Gale
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